Composition and method for inhibition of nerve transmission

Abstract

The presently claimed and disclosed invention(s) provides a therapeutically effective composition and method of inhibiting nerve cell transmission. In a preferred embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed invention(s), the treatment of neuropathic pain utilizing terpene compounds isolated from plant essential oils or manufactured synthetically is detailed. These compounds, such as geraniol and citronellol, as well as chemical analogs thereof, used in combination or individually, can be used alone or in a composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a suitable dosage form.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit and priority to co-pending PCT / CA2008 / 000236, having an international filing date of Feb. 6, 2008, which claims benefit and priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 899,642, filed Feb. 6, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety as though set forth explicitly herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The presently claimed and disclosed invention(s) pertains to the field of compositions comprising one or more aromatic terpene compound. More specifically, the presently claimed and disclosed invention(s) pertains to non-naturally occurring compositions comprising an aromatic terpene compound, and methods of using such compositions for the inhibition of nerve cell transmission.BACKGROUND[0003]Ideal physiological functioning requires an appropriate balance between nerve cell excitation and inhibition. Therefore, the identification of compounds, and methods of utilizing these compounds, to alt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]In one preferred embodiment of the presently claimed and disclosed invention(s) there is provided a method for the treatment of neuropathic pain by administering one or more terpene molecules, such as geraniol, citronellol and related compounds. In particular, the presently claimed and disclosed invention(s) provides a previously unavailable method for, in general, inhibiting nerve transmission, and in particular, treating a range of neuropathies, through the administration, usually topical or oral administration, to a mammal of a composition comprising one or more terpene moledules, such as geraniol, citronellol, or related compounds, alone or in combination.

Problems solved by technology

Nociceptive pain usually responds to opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), whereas the success of treating neuropathic pain with these approaches has been limited.

Amitriptyline has a high incidence of anticholinergic side effects, including delirium in elderly patients.

TCAs also have proarrhythmic effects which limit their use in populations with abnormal EKG.

However, ketamine causes sedation, slowed reaction times and hallucinations with long-term use.

It has been used with some success to decrease pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy, but has not benefited those with postherpetic neuralgia, post stroke pain, or peripheral neuropathies other than diabetic.

It may act on unmyelinated primary afferent nerves by depleting substance P. Depletion requires repeated and consistent use of capsaicin, and patient compliance can be an issue due to the common side effect of an intense burning sensation that decreases with consistent use.

Overall, relief with capsaicin cream in clinical trials of neuropathic pain has been inconsistent.

Overall, the efficacy of these pharmacological treatments is often limited by side effects at the doses required for analgesia, as well as in some cases long delays before the onset of analgesia, a substantial rate of non responsiveness to therapy, and a potential for addiction.

In conclusion, neuropathic pain does not have an ideal or even a very good treatment at the present time.

(12) There has been, however, very little research into plant extracts for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

The use of an essential oil distillate geranium oil, however, as taught by Frome, employs a complex mixture of naturally derived compounds, some of which may be effective for neuropathic pain relief and some which may be ineffective or which may be irritating or toxic.

For example, a number of constituents found in natural geranium oil are known irritants and thereby may cause skin rash when applied topically or even exacerbate pain.

For instance a-pinene, a constituent of natural geranium oil, is considered irritating to the skin and exposure can cause rash, burning pain, headache, vomiting and even kidney damage.

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